The Biological and Computational Chemistry research group (BCC) is focused on the exploration and modulation of biological processes involved in diverse pathologies. Supported by its vast experience in asymmetric organic synthesis, the BCC group aims to design and synthesise small molecules with therapeutic applications or what may be used for elucidation of biological and biochemical mechanisms.

The group is formed during the period to be evaluated by 4 staff researchers and one POhD student. The research carried out on the group is focused on the organometallic chemistry field, therefore its activity involves the synthesis, reactivity, structure and applications of organometallic compounds. The focus of this research is basic research.

The group is composed by 9 PhD (5 permanents and 4 non-permanent) and a variable number of graduate students (11 on February 2021). The goal of the group is de design of metallic units, catalysts, for the development of hydrogen based technologies - including production and storage- as well as for their application in more efficient processes of organic synthesis.

The main topic of the group is the synthesis and reactivity studies of novel mononuclear complexes and molecular aggregates of transition metals aimed to find applications in homogeneous catalysis and new materials. Of particular interest is the complete knowledge of reactions of complexes with small molecules (such as oxygen) and organic compounds in order to activate and induce stoichiometric or catalytic reactions of functionalization of organic substrates.

GiCSI deals with the Research & development of advanced techniques to grant Security, Authenticity, Integrity and Privacy to the information transmitted or stored by electronic means.

The group was created in 2011 and the group members are specialized in forest biotechnology. Our research focuses on gene regulation of regeneration processes in woody species and the development of methodologies for micropropagation, conservation and improvement of woody species using biotechnological and molecular tools. Our goals are to prevent biodiversity loss, reduce deforestation and promote the sustainable use of woody species. The species under study include native forest species (Castanea spp., Quercus robur, Q.

The Biochemistry and Soil Quality Group (GBCS) was established more than 40 years ago by T. Carballas and has focused its research on: a) organic matter, paying special attention to microbial biodiversity, responsible for the functioning and, consequently, , the quality of the soil and the provision of ecosystem services related to it, b) the impact of degradation processes and the implementation of soil conservation/recovery practices that promote the sustainable management of agricultural and forestry ecosystems in the new scenario of the climate change.

CibiCed research group is formed by 1 Senior Scientist. Its research line falls under the theme 7 "Impact of Global Change (V+M+S)" addressing the challenge 7C "Biogeochemical Cycles" (in addition to 7A,7D,7E,7F,7G) and focusing especially on the C cycle in forest soils and the potential of these ecosystems as CO2 sinks. The group has been collaborating with the Unidade de Xestión Forestal Sostenible (UXFS) for more than a decade, participating in various forestry projects with the Departments of Agroforestry Engineering and Plant Production of the USC.

The main goal of our research focuses in understanding the nearby universe to unravel the early stages of the universe, through observational and theoretical studies of a wide range of problems related to the structure and evolution of galaxies and cosmology, from their stellar and nebular components to their distribution and evolution at cosmological scales. The common thread is the charaterization and modeling of the physical processes that drive star formation and nuclear activity in galaxies, their radiative-mechanical-chemical feedback and their relation with the environment.